Events

Are you a trap shooter looking to spice up your game in a new and exciting way? Join us for our glow clays program where we put a new spin on this classic game. Think “Cosmic Bowling”, for trap . We have introduced UV light to the trap field at night. This causes the factory paint on the clay pigeons to fluoresce or “Glow” in the dark as they are thrown from the trap house, making a unique glowing target.

Minimum age 16 and you must be familiar with and experienced in classic trap and safe firearms handling. Additional Range safety officers will be available if assistance is needed.

Volunteer Naturalist Myra Scroggs will help you find migrating birds during this indoor and outdoor program. Ages 7 to adult.

Have you ever walked by a wildflower and wished you knew what it was? Well, this is your program! April showers bring an abundance of colorful May flowers to our Missouri landscape. In this program, you will learn how to identify these flowers and enjoy a short walk around the nature center trails and grounds to find these beautiful blooms. Afterwards, cool down by enjoying some dandelion iced tea and dandelion cookies.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Have you always wanted to get into the art of fly tying but do not know where to start? Join us for our 4-part fly tying series that will introduce you into the world of fly tying. You will learn about the basic tools, materials, and skills needed to get you rolling on tying your own flies. The materials used in this class will be provided however, if you would like to bring your own equipment, that is acceptable as well. Each class will build on the previous classes’ skills so attendance of all 4 classes is required. Each class will start at 5:00pm and will run for approximately 2 hours. The class will be held at the Education Center at the Jay Henges Shooting Range. The other dates are May 9th, 16th and 22nd.

Now that Spring fishing season is in full swing, and you have caught and cleaned a mess of fish, now is the time to learn how to cook them. In this Virtual Fish Cooking program, we will focus on the common equipment needed for cooking fish, frying, and grilling fish, as well as other methods to prepare fish. This is a combination of the Virtual Fish Cooking Series that was held in April.

Walk-in (all ages) April showers bring May flowers, and lots of them! Native plants are blooming left and right this time of year. Join our native landscape specialists for a springtime walk around the grounds. This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Explore the different species of cicadas found in Missouri and learn about the emergence of the periodical cicadas this summer. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

Please note, this virtual program WILL NOT BE RECORDED and will use the WebEx platform*

Register for a VIRTUAL art class as we create a series of three paintings showcasing Missouri’s state symbols! For our third painting, we will paint a Hawthorn, Missouri‘s State Flower. This painting project will help you spring into your creative side!

Gather your own supplies and follow step-by-step painting instructions, led by volunteer Gala Keller. PLUS learn some fun facts about hawthorns! Small canvases and simple techniques used, no painting experience necessary. Great for kids and adults, lots of fun for a family evening!

This 90-minute program is suitable for adults and youth (ages 6+). Please register with a valid email to receive the program link and a suggested list of supplies. For those that have registered, the supply list will be sent out the week of the program and once again after registration closes. The program LINK will be sent on Thursday, May 2nd. If you do not receive the link, please check your email spam folder.

Registration is required by Wednesday, May 1st. Only one registration needed per screen for multiple participants at the same location.

If you register but do not receive the supply list and/or link the week of the program, please contact Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov, or call (417) 334-4865 ext 0 for more information.